The Default Choice Gets a Digital Reset
You cannot escape the Tiguan. It is the automotive equivalent of a navy blue jumper: dependable, slightly posh, and found in every suburban driveway from Solihull to Stirling. For this third-generation model, Volkswagen has decided that being sensible is no longer enough. They have given it a sleek new look, a cabin that feels like it was designed by a Silicon Valley start-up, and a plug-in hybrid system that can actually do a proper day's work without touching a drop of petrol.
Design and Interior Comfort
Gone are the boxy, slightly aggressive lines of the old car. The new Tiguan is softer and more curvaceous, looking more like the electric ID.4 cousin than its predecessor. It is a handsome thing, even if it has lost a bit of that mini-Touareg toughness. Step inside, and you are greeted by a screen so large it could probably be seen from space. The 12.9-inch display (upgradable to 15 inches) is the nerve centre for everything. Thankfully, VW has listened to the collective groans of the motoring public and returned physical buttons to the steering wheel, replacing those awkward haptic sliders that used to make changing the volume feel like a game of Operation.
The real talking point is the integration of ChatGPT. You can talk to the car using the IDA voice assistant, and it will try to answer your questions using AI. It is clever, certainly, though I suspect most owners will just use it to find the nearest Greggs or check if it is going to rain in Weymouth. The Driving Experience rotary dial on the centre console is a lovely touch too, allowing you to quickly change drive modes or volume with a satisfying click.
Performance and Handling
Under the bonnet, you have got choices. Most UK buyers will opt for the 1.5-litre eTSI mild hybrid petrol. With 150hp, it is perfectly adequate. It will not set your hair on fire, but it is smooth, quiet, and shuts down two of its cylinders when you are cruising to save fuel. If you do big miles, the 2.0-litre diesel is still here, which is a bit like finding a proper Sunday roast on a menu full of avocado toast: traditional, but very satisfying.
The real star, however, is the new eHybrid plug-in. It now boasts a 19.7kWh battery, which translates to an official electric-only range of up to 75 miles. Even in the real world, you should see 50 to 60 miles. For the average UK commute, that means you could go weeks without visiting a petrol station. On the road, the Tiguan prioritises comfort above all else. With the optional DCC Pro adaptive suspension, it glides over our pockmarked British Tarmac with the grace of a much larger luxury car.
Practicality and UK Living
This is where the Tiguan earns its keep. The boot has grown by 37 litres to a massive 652 litres, though that drops to 490 litres in the hybrid version to make room for the batteries. The rear seats slide and recline, meaning you can choose between maximum legroom for grumpy teenagers or maximum space for the weekly shop. It is a strong example in packaging. The visibility is good, the parking sensors are sharp, and the 360-degree camera makes navigating a tight Waitrose car park a doddle.
From a financial perspective, the Tiguan sits in a tricky spot. It is more expensive than a Kia Sportage or a Nissan Qashqai, but it feels more premium inside. The eHybrid is a easy car to recommend for company car drivers due to its low 8 percent Benefit-in-Kind tax rating. For private buyers, the 1.5 eTSI in Elegance trim offers the best balance of toys and value. Insurance groups are reasonable, and VW's service plans are generally fair, though you do pay a slight premium for that circular badge on the nose.
Verdict
The Volkswagen Tiguan is exactly what it needed to be. It has embraced technology without becoming a slave to it (mostly), and it remains the most rounded family SUV on the market. It is not cheap, and the infotainment screen can still be a bit of a faff until you get used to it, but it is a polished, professional, and thoroughly pleasant way to move your family around. If you want the best all-rounder currently on sale, this is probably it.
